When you’re new to the art of fishing, we recommend starting out with the best fishing rod and reel combo for beginners to increase your chances of success. A combo is a good choice because it relieves you of the struggle of matching the rod with the reel. Initially, your lack of experience may cause you to make the wrong choices.
With a combo, on the other hand, you get the rod and reel in one deal. It has a perfect balance and is ideal for your first setup. However, even combos come in a variety of options. Some may have particular features for something, while others may be good for other functions.
To make sure you find the best combo in your first purchase, we have put together a list of the best models in the markets.
#1 | Plusinno Combo
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod with Reel Combo Sea Saltwater Freshwater Kit (2 Sections...
- 【SENSITIVE & STRONG】PLUSINNO fishing rod blanks. All Elite Hunter Select fishing rods are constructed with IM6 Carbon matrix technology blanks giving each casting rod and spinning rod incredible performance, sensitivity, and power. carbon split grip and full grip using a Non-slip EVA & Cork Handle is made to deliver a premium rod at a greater value than the competition.
This fishing kit, featuring a combo of rod and steel, is fantastic for beginners. Apart from being affordable with a have-it-all deal, the kit also holds an incredible market reputation. Besides being easy on your wallet, the kit also provides all that you need, including:
- A line
- Six lures
- Four sinkers
- Six hooks
- A reel
- Other accessories
Some of the most notable features of this kit include high-intensity carbon fiber and fiberglass construction. You will not be dissatisfied with this durable, handy, and lightweight fishing rod. Even after long periods on the water, you will not grow tired.
The rod is also flexible enough to prevent fish from escaping. The steel also features corrosion resistance, allowing you to use this kit for your saltwater projects as well. The fast-action spinning and an EVA foregrip make it a worthy buy for beginners.
#2 | Pflueger President Combo
Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo (All Models & Sizes)
- PERFORMANCE MEETS VALUE: The Pflueger President spinning fishing reel and rod combo offers premium performance in a lightweight and dependable package. With a balanced design, this combo will become a reliable companion when you’re on the water.
The next best fishing rod and reel combo in the market is Pflueger. For beginners, this lightweight rod works fantastic to catch smaller fish and casting all day without feeling tired. The durable graphite blank means the rod is strong yet sensitive enough to alert you to fish bites.
The high quality of the reels, corrosion and graphite resistance bearings, aluminum, and other features make it a good option too. From saltwater to freshwater fishing projects, you will find a smooth drag and hundred percent retrieving, all due to the ten-bearing system.
#3 | KastKing Centron Spinning Combo
KastKing Centron Spinning Combos,7ft Medium-Split Handle,3000 Reel
- Lightweight and Sensitive Toray IM6 Graphite Blanks – Centron Spinning Combos feature a sensitive and light-weight Toray IM6 Graphite blank designed to provide exceptional value and performance for all anglers. All combos are 2 pc and come in lengths from 6’ for Bass, Trout and Panfish and go all the way to 8’ for Catfish, Steelhead and even Salmon.
Free shipping
If you’re looking for durability and quality together, you should consider the spinning combo kit by KastKing Centron. The most notable features of this combo kit include:
- Aluminum spool
- Graphite frame spinning reel
- Rod construction features high modulus carbon fiber graphite
- Toray IMG graphite body.
With this kit, you have the option of choosing the reel and rod size suiting your fishing needs and expertise level. You also get incredible fluidity in the spinning reel, with two gear ratios as per the level you choose.
With the triple-disc drag and other features, you can rest assured of a pleasurable fishing experience with this one.
#4 | Abu Garcia IKE DUDE Combo
Abu Garcia Ike Dude Spinning/Spincast Fishing Reel & Rod Combo black, 6'/Medium
- 2 ball bearings
- Lightweight graphite body and rotor
- Aluminum spool
- High density EVA
- Lightweight composite blank
Here, we have a spinning/spin-cast fishing rod and reel combo to recommend. It caters specifically to beginners, and the kit features a design that prioritizes lightweight and user-friendly gear. The materials you will in this equipment last well in freshwater.
If you’re looking for strictly start-up fishing gear, you may find the materials and specific features perfect. The rod, for instance, responds well to casts while being lightweight. It has enough sensitivity to alert the angler of fish bites. While the composite material is good enough for starting out in freshwater, if you have plans for saltwater fishing, you may not find this a durable kit.
The choice between a spincast and spinning reel is a desirable feature because many beginners find spincast reels more comfortable to start out with. For someone looking to practice their skills initially, this kit will suffice decently.
#5 | Penn Battle II Surf Combo
PENN BTLII4000701M Battle II 4000 Spinning Reel Combo, Inshore, 7 Feet, Medium Power
- Fishing rod and spinning fishing reel combo ideal for conquering big saltwater gamefish. The gear ratio is 6.2:1
- Full metal body, side plate, and rotor and heavy-duty aluminum bail wire offer exceptional durability
If you’re a beginner planning to test your skills on the saltwater, then you would find Penn Battle II quite a competent kit. It works incredibly for surf fishing, and the brand has maintained a notable market reputation for 75 years.
The kit features a graphite composite rod with choices of lengths. You can choose 10 feet long or a 6.5 feet long rod, while the drag system in the reel is a carbon fiber HT-100.
When you’re starting out on the water, you cannot compromise on smoothness for power, and this kit ensures you have the best of both. Even as a beginner, this tool will give you heavier loads with a longer casting range, a larger drag, and smoother intakes.
The noteworthy features of this gear include:
- High durability with the side plate
- Rotor
- Full metal body
Additionally, you get five ball bearings of sealed stainless steel in the spinning reel, with an instant anti-reverse bearing.
Not only can you pull fish back smartly with this kit, but the anodized aluminum spool also helps you tie the line without any backing. From a measured line capacity to helpful features for beginners, you will find this kit a great way to start off.
#6 | Shimano Spinning Reel and Rod combo
SHIMANO Rod & Reel Sienna Spinning Fishing Combo Freshwater, SN2500HGFG w/6'6" Medium 2pc
- SN2500HGFGK/SNS66M2B PRMT
- SN2500HGFGK/SNS66M2B PRMT
- SN2500HGFGK/SNS66M2B PRMT
- SN2500HGFGK/SNS66M2B PRMT
- SN2500HGFGK/SNS66M2B PRMT
This Shimano spinning reel combo kit may be a basic one for beginners, but if you’re looking for the best fishing rod and reel combo that provides incredible value, this one is it. The rod in this kit is a significantly strong and very responsive one, owing to its aeroglass structure.
Not only is the rod lightweight and user-friendly, but the reel is a fine equipment piece as well. It features graphite, so you can rest assured of its corrosion resistance in both saltwater and freshwater. You can cast easily and quickly with this kit, owning to the rear drag that helps you adjust from the bottom and the Quick fire II feature.
The only difficulty a beginner may have with this kit is the anti-reverse on the reel, which may take one a while to get used to. But apart from that, as a beginner, you will have no trouble setting up the kit.
#7 | Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Combo
Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast Combo
- UGLY STIK 5’ GX2 SPINCAST FISHING ROD AND REEL SPINNING COMBO: The next-gen Ugly Stik, featuring better balance and improved components. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world.
- UGLY TECH CONSTRUCTION: 2-piece, Ugly Tech construction combines graphite and fiberglass, for a strong, yet sensitive rod. Includes 7 year warranty on rod. Gear ratio of 3.0:1 provides smooth operation and mechanical advantage.
Are you looking for the best fishing rod and reel combo that does not break your budget? Shakespeare’s combo kit might be what you’re looking for. The equipment pieces in the kit honor heritage and tradition with the original spinning rod without compromising on high reliability and optimal performance.
The rod is both lightweight and sensitive, with its fiberglass and graphite construction. You will have no trouble handling the EVA handle even during longer fishing trips. Some of the notable features of the kit include:
- GX2 material
- Optimal performance in wet conditions too
- Easy maintenance
- Stainless steel guides
- High durability and smoothness of the rod
The reel has 4-bearing, which means that you get high performance each time you use it. This reel features an anti-reverse bearing that ensures you tackle the larger fish like a pro, too, despite being a beginner. With a satisfactory drag, a high-quality plastic rotor, and an aluminum spool, you will have successful fishing experiences with this kit.
#8 | Daiwa Spinning Reel and Rod Combo- Ultra Light
Bundle Includes 2 Items - Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel and Rod Combo in Hard Carry Case and...
- Island Time Brands Bundle Includes 2 Items - Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel and Rod Combo in Hard Carry Case and Ready 2 Fish Tackle Box - 2 Tray
- Ultralight reel with smooth, ball bearing drive, multi-disc drag 4.9 to 1 retrieve
For beginners, this combo kit is highly functional and will be your best traveling companion. It comes in a carry case of hard material, accommodating every piece of fishing equipment you will need. From lures to the rod and reel, the carry case accommodates it all and fits easily into a car’s trunk or your backpack.
The fear is lightweight but suits the fishing skills level of beginners. You will find a tiny rod in the kit, but it is still effective against stronger fish. The only drawback is the limited casting distance, but for most beginners, this is not a big problem.
You will have to work your way with the reel initially, but it offers a good drag, with high-quality materials and a good retrieve.
#9 | ShinePick Combo
ShinePick Fishing Rod Kit, Telescopic Fishing Pole and Reel Combo Full Kit with Line Lures Hooks Carrier Bag for Travel...
- 【Full Kit with Bag】Full set includes: 1x Fishing Rod Pole(2.1M/6.8ft), 1x Spinning Reel, 1x Fishing Line(328ft/100M), 1xAccessories Case(line connectors, various lures and hooks), 1x Carrier Bag. Perfect Fishing Combos Full Kit is designed for novice especially, which means no need to buy any other fishing tackle.
For beginners, the ShinePick Combo is another worthy option because of the incredible gear pieces it features. In this kit, you will find a powerful spinning reel along with a telescopic spinning rod, a carrier bag, hook, lures, and a line.
The carbon-fiber composite structure of the telescopic fishing rod makes it a strong yet adequately sensitive equipment piece. You will also love handling the ergonomic ABS handle because it allows longer fishing periods.
The high precision and gear ratio mean more power, and the spinning reel has a drag system that allows you to exert more pressure on your catch. Every beginner loves an anti-reverse bearing that helps them catch bigger fish, and this tool has a perfect bearing for that.
Among the notable features, you will find:
- A lightweight kit
- Large spool
- Longline
- Short body
- Easy to travel with and store conveniently
- Compact enough to fit into backpacks, car trunks, and boats
- The spinning rod and reel last well in saltwater
#10 | Shimano Caius Baitcasting Combo
SHIMANO Rod & Reel Caius Casting Fishing Combo Freshwater, CIS151HGB Left Hand w/6'10" MH 2pc
- CIS151HGBK/CAC610MH2A PRMT
- CIS151HGBK/CAC610MH2A PRMT
- CIS151HGBK/CAC610MH2A PRMT
- CIS151HGBK/CAC610MH2A PRMT
- CIS151HGBK/CAC610MH2A PRMT
While baitcasters can be a little steeper learning curve for beginners, if you’re looking at going that route then this is a great, affordable setup from one of the top rod and reel manufacturers out there.
It includes a VBS Braking system that assists in reducing the birds nest backlashes that can be a problem for newer users, along with a silky smooth cast that typically outperforms those from a spinning reel. Definitely a good starter baitcaster combo we highly recommend!
Final Thoughts
Fishing is a technical sport. To start off on this sport, you need the best fishing rod and reel combo because beginners need precision, power, smoothness, and control to perfect their skills. Our list of recommendations features the best combo kits on the market. You will surely enjoy a successful initiation into the sport with these.
